Search Engines & Web Navigation:

It is no surprise that the internet is an incredible resource for students.  The internet provides students with an unlimited wealth of information right at their fingertips.  Teaching students how to use search engines and proper Web navigation can be very beneficial, enabling them to search and find better information on their topic.

Search engines are valuable tools for researching information.  “Just type in the search word or phrase, and the search engine displays a list of websites whose URLs contain the word or phrase” (Roblyer, pg. 183).  However, many of these websites may not have anything to do with the topic at all.  But by utilizing the advanced search option available on most search engines, students can narrow search results down to those that are relevant to their topic.  They can type in keywords and choose to only see websites that include “all these words”, or type in unrelated words and see websites with that include “none of these words” (pg. 183 & 184).  This way, students’ searches for topic information will yield much better information.

A student’s ability to properly navigate around the internet can make a huge effect on their success in finding information on research topics.  Informed use and experience “traveling” around the internet using uniform resource locators, or URLs, can help students locate web addresses just by guessing, and enable them to “tell what and where it is” by reading the URL’s parts (Roblyer, pg. 180).  They should know that every web address must be entered exactly.  If not, students looking for information may be guided to a completely unrelated website or to an error message with no site at all (pg. 179).  A student’s search will also be aided by knowing how to use navigation buttons, links, and QR codes (pg. 181).  This way, they can find relevant and thorough information through links and QR codes from topic-specific sources.

Website Evaluation:

This video is great because it very simply models steps in website evaluation in a relatable way.

Favorite Professional Websites:
http://wholebrainteaching.com/ is one of my absolute favorite websites, especially for teachers!  Teachers can sign up for free to learn about new interactive teaching strategies, and even get certified in those methods.  There are lots of  instructional materials and resources that be downloaded from the site, and they are all free.  I trust this site because the creator is really easy to identify and contact. The site is not biased and everything is free of charge.
I am also addicted to https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/. There are countless resources for teachers in all subject areas.  Sure, some of the resources have a price but there are plenty that are freebies.   

Online Safety & Security:

Fraud, fraud, fraud!  I cannot stress enough how serious this topic is for me!  I have always been really cautious of which sites I give any information to.  I only disclosed information to credible well-known sites, and only if the sites offer a secure server, but that may not be enough (pg. 176).  Due to an online security breach at a former college, I have spent the last four years disputing fraudulent claims and credit accounts. My life is still negatively affected today.

Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson.

G. (2013, February 12). Retrieved February 14, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aem3JahbXfk

The "Basic Three" Software Tools

Word Processing Software:
There are countless uses for word processing software in the classroom. One of my favorite benefits to this tool is that it can be used across all subject areas and with all instructional styles. It has been described as “model-free instructional software” and that “it reflects no particular instructional approach” (pg. 112 and 114). When used alongside quality writing instruction, word processing software contributes to better writing skills among students (pg. 115). These skills will prove to be extremely valuable in all subject areas for years to come. While students can benefit greatly from using word processing software in the classroom, teachers should be mindful of when and how often the software is used. Some educators believe that using the software with younger students could have a negative impact on their handwriting development (pg. 116). I think that teachers should ensure that students’ handwriting skills are well developed and practiced before software is introduced. The software should be used in moderation, so that students can continue to have plenty of handwriting practice.

Spreadsheet Software:
Spreadsheet software can be used in the classroom to get students engaged when working with numbers. Spreadsheets adds a visual, graphic element to mathematics that students can interact with and manipulate. The use of spreadsheets can promote asking “what if” questions (pg. 121). Students can play with numbers, input them onto the spreadsheet, and see the results instantly. Students become actively involved in their education and exploration in math. An issue I see in using spreadsheet software would be that students may rely on the software to give them instant results, while not understanding how those results are calculated. Teachers should check for concept understanding throughout software use.

Presentation Software:
One of the benefits of using presentation software in the classroom is that it helps organize topic information (pg. 127). The software can help structure information about a topic to emphasize the important points. Presentation software also aids instruction by using graphics and visuals to enhance and bring to life the concepts being taught. Collaboration among students can also be enhanced by the use of presentation software. Students work together to deliver information in multiple ways (text, graphics, audio). A few common mistakes can make presentations ineffective. Directing too much of the audience’s focus onto the slides will take away from the actual concepts behind the presentation (pg. 127). Important points and information can be neglected and lost in the presentation. Presentations should also be kept simple. Many people tend to list too much information on each slide, which loses the audience.

Classroom Use-- Chosen Software:
I will absolutely use presentation software in my classroom. Students can gain a lot from visuals used in presentations. Presentations can also emphasize and simplify the most important points of the concepts. The attached video gives great tips on creating effective presentations and ideas for classroom use. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/_YaPMwRQR94


Works Cited 

Robylyer, M.D. (2016) Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th Edition). New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc., 2016. Print

(2016, May 20). Retrieved February 01, 2017, from https://youtu.be/_YaPMwRQR94